Summary : Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula – no Drake Passage crossings required! With a spectacular aerial view, included charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica have you experiencing the majesty of the 7th continent before transferring you to your ship in no time. Keep your camera ready as you cruise in a Zodiac in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs. Beaches dotted with leopard seals and penguins give way to icy plateaus, with snow-capped mountain peaks looming behind. You'll find yourself thankful for the near-constant sunlight by which you can continue to take it all in. Take advantage of inclusions like domestic flights, gratuities, and drinks aboard an all-suites ship with onboard lectures and educational presentations from polar specialists.

PRICING

Your adventure begins with an included flights from international gateway Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. In the afternoon, an expedition representative will meet you at the group hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing from your upcoming voyage.

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctic will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscape will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands. After landing, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula.

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes. As your captain and expedition team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you'll be alerted to any new sightings. Your team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history, and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you'll never forget! Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won't be long before you can tell the difference between an Adelie, gentoo, or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbor to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you'll wake early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.

After your week of exploration, you'll say goodbye to your expedition team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end. After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Punta Arenas airport for your included return flight to Santiago.

Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions—and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Mandatory Travel Insurance:All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for Antarctic trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. ExpeditionTrips can assist U.S. residents with travel protection options. Other conditions may apply based on pre-existing conditions.

Luggage Weight Restrictions:Due to the limited capacity of the aircraft, participants can only bring 15kg/33lb of checked luggage and 5kg/11lb of carry-on luggage. Weight limits are subject to change.

Charter Flight Contingency Plan:In the rare instance where on the final day for flight attempts the flight was still not successfully completed, the shipping company has the right to cancel the trip. The shipping company reserves the right to extend the final attempt day if weather conditions are improving. If the trip is cancelled: THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND FOR THE FULL CRUISE FARE AND ANY UNUSED ADVENTURE OPTIONS. No refund will be provided if the flight is successfully completed regardless of which day of the itinerary it was executed. International airfare, domestic airfare, any additional services purchased or change fees, will not be refunded by the shipping company. The shipping company will provide a trip interruption letter to be submitted by the passenger to their insurance company. The shipping company strongly recommends that all guests purchase changeable airline tickets and a travel insurance policy which includes trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance with airfare coverage. The shipping company will issue the cruise fare refund back in the same form/medium in which payment was received.

The shipping company reserves the right to send passengers on the charter plane the evening prior to the scheduled day. This may happen when they see a weather system that could cause a delay on subsequent days. For this reason, all passengers should arrive in Punta Arenas no later than 3:00pm on Day 1 for Antarctica trips.

For each day of the itinerary after Day 1, if there is a delay, all guests will be briefed by the shipping company ground staff on the flight status as you are waiting for a weather window to depart and could be required to leave with very little notice. All guests and staff will be on stand-by until approximately 14:00 hrs. During the stand-by period you must be at the airport, or at another location designated by the ground staff to be ready to go if and when a suitably long weather window becomes available. If by 14:00 hrs the flight remains delayed, you will be returned back to your respective hotels or you may choose to join additional excursions for the afternoon compliments of the shipping company which may include guided tours to sites of historic, cultural or wildlife interest. On these days, the shipping company will provide additional night(s) hotel accommodation and meals. If the trip is cancelled, the shipping company will provide a final single night of hotel accommodation. Any additional hotel nights and meals will be the responsibility of the guest. The shipping company reserves the right to make exceptions to these timing guidelines. Subject to change without notice.

Included:Cabin accommodations and meals aboard the ship; daily housekeeping; complimentary house wine, beer, and spirits on board the ship; shore landings per the daily program; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; expedition boots on loan; expedition parka to keep; coffee, tea, and cocoa available 24/7; miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; gratuities for shipboard staff and crew; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of $500,000* per person; flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas; group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; one night's pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast; a briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas; pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport; flights to and from Antarctica; post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel; one night's post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast; group transfer from the Punta Arenas hotel to the airport on the final day of the expedition; flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included:Airfare not mentioned as included; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, or medical travel insurance; excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, and other personal charges unless specified as included; fuel surcharge may apply.

*Emergency Evacuation Insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $500,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only while traveling with the shipping company between the first and last day of the expedition. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition, including pre- and post-packages/hotels/flights, purchased from the shipping company or from suppliers other than the shipping company, are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.

Above rates are per person, based on double occupancy (unless noted as a dedicated single, triple, or quad cabin). Subject to change without notice.

Solo Rates:2x the double occupancy rateNOTE: Shared cabins may be available in standard cabin categories on certain departures. Please inquire.

Rate Includes: Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas; group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the pre-expedition hotel on Day 1; one night's pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast; a briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas; pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport; flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island in economy class; post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel; one night's post-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, with breakfast; group transfer from the Punta Arenas hotel to the airport on the final day of the expedition; flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago; shipboard accommodations; complimentary house wine, beer, and spirits onboard the ship; photographic journal; expedition boots on loan; expedition parka to keep; gratuities for shipboard staff and crew; all meals onboard the ship. Inclusions subject to change without notice.

Stand Up Paddleboarding Supplement: $225 per person (Book early as there are only 7 spots per voyage)

Island Sky

Overview : Built in 1992 and renovated in 2016, the Island Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Public spaces available include a large lounge, elegant bar with piano, library stocked with fiction and reference books along with a selection of games, and an elegant single sitting dining room. Outside decks feature a bar, and a rear sun deck where meals are served in clement weather. For excursions ashore, Island Sky carries a fleet of Zodiacs, and an open-bridge policy allows for the chance to see her expert crew and officers at work.

Cabin Description : All staterooms are well-designed outside cabins with ocean views. Each cabin features two twin beds that can be reconfigured into one queen, a sitting area, en suite bathroom, large wardrobes, vanity table, and excellent storage. A small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating are provided in every cabin.

All details have been provided by the shipping company.

Tommy H.

Jackson, TN Feb 2018

Antarctic Peninsula

Expedition Ship
Island Sky

The most memorable parts of this expedition were taking the Zodiacs and seeing the wildlife. The level of service could not have been better.

Wendy W.

Westport, CT Feb 2017

Antarctic Peninsula

Expedition Ship
Island Sky

There are just no words to describe how awesome Antarctica is - the expedition team were beyond fantastic - we felt like family by end of voyage - I loved every minute of it & made some lifelong friends as wel. There is no room for improvement - they [the guides] were just the most amazing bunch of people.
This was one of the easiest trips I've ever planned - Jessica & Sarah at ExpedtionTrips were absolutely great and provided help & support throughout.

Payment Methods:Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover), in addition to check or wire. All late payments are subject to a penalty $50 per person administration fee and 1.5% interest per month, or 18% per annum. The shipping company reserves the right to cancel any booking that is not paid within 120 days of departure or deny boarding on any unpaid balances.

Adventure Options:To book kayaking and reserve your spot, the deposit for the trip must be provided. All other adventure options can be held before providing the deposit.

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties: 180 days or more: $1,250 per person cancellation fee. 179-120 days: Forfeit deposit. Less than 120 days: Forfeit all payments. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. Any payments for adventure option(s) will also be forfeited.

Pre and Post Travel Options:Any arranged by the shipping company may not be refundable after booked, please consult with ExpeditionTrips for full terms and conditions on the product you booked. Cancellations received less than 120 days before departure are 100% non refundable. Subject to change without notice.

Adventure Options: Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering or ballooning (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader, may or may not be used). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to travelers who do not complete the services for any reason whatsoever. Subject to change without notice.

Contingency Plan for Antarctic Air Cruises (Nov 2017-Mar 2018 trips); and Arctic Express 2017 and 2018 (excludes North Pole, Arctic Watch and Barneo Ice Camp):The shipping company has been operating Fly/Cruise itineraries since 2012. Since then, 98% of itineraries have successfully been completed with over 80% departing on the scheduled day. Only one departure has ever been cancelled. In the unlikely event that a fly/cruise itinerary could be cancelled due to weather delays, the shipping company will offer a full refund of the cruise fare and unused adventure options to guests based upon the following guidelines.

In the rare instance where on the final day for flight attempts the flight was still not successfully completed, the shipping company has the right to cancel the trip. The shipping company reserves the right to extend the final attempt day if weather conditions are improving. If the trip is cancelled: THE SHIPPING COMPANY WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND FOR THE FULL CRUISE FARE AND ANY UNUSED ADVENTURE OPTIONS. No refund will be provided if the flight is successfully completed regardless of which day of the itinerary it was executed. International airfare, domestic airfare, any additional services purchased or change fees, will not be refunded by the shipping company. The shipping company will provide a trip interruption letter to be submitted by the passenger to their insurance company. The shipping company strongly recommends that all guests purchase changeable airline tickets and a travel insurance policy which includes trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance with airfare coverage. The shipping company will issue the cruise fare refund back in the same form/medium in which payment was received.

The shipping company reserves the right to send passengers on the charter plane the evening prior to the scheduled day. This may happen when they see a weather system that could cause a delay on subsequent days. For this reason, all passengers should arrive in Punta Arenas no later than 3:00pm on Day 1 for Antarctica trips.

For each day of the itinerary after Day 1, if there is a delay, all guests will be briefed by the shipping company ground staff on the flight status as you are waiting for a weather window to depart and could be required to leave with very little notice. All guests and staff will be on stand-by until approximately 14:00 hrs (11:59 for Arctic Express itineraries). During the stand-by period you must be at the airport, or at another location designated by the ground staff to be ready to go if and when a suitably long weather window becomes available. If by 14:00 (Antarctica) or 11:59 (Arctic) hrs the flight remains delayed, you will be returned back to your respective hotels or you may choose to join additional excursions for the afternoon compliments of the shipping company which may include guided tours to sites of historic, cultural or wildlife interest. On these days, the shipping company will provide additional night(s) hotel accommodation and meals. If the trip is cancelled, the shipping company will provide a final single night of hotel accommodation. Any additional hotel nights and meals will be the responsibility of the guest. The shipping company reserves the right to make exceptions to these timing guidelines.

PLEASE NOTE: For the 7-Day Antarctic Express Air-Cruise itinerary aboard Island Sky – if in the event the flight does successfully leave on Day 4, the voyage will be a South Shetland Islands voyage only and will not go to the Antarctica Peninsula. If the departure is on Day 2 or Day 3, the itinerary will still go to the Antarctica Peninsula.

Subject to change without notice.

Charter Flight Contingency Plan for Antarctica Air Cruises (Nov 2018-Mar 2019 trips): See the Notes section of individual trips for the details as it varies by departure date and ship.

Contingency Plan for 2017 Departures to Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge:In the unlikely event that the plane is unable to depart on the planned date of the charter flight, you will be provided a full day of activities in Yellowknife, meals included. If the weather is not suitable on Day 3, you will enjoy an additional day of activities and meals in Yellowknife. On Day 4 should the charter flight not be able to take off by 14:00, the shipping company will officially cancel the voyage and provide letters for all clients to submit to their travel insurance providers under the trip delay/interruption and cancellation clause. The shipping company WILL NOT OFFER PASSENGERS A REFUND IN THE EVENT OF TRIP CANCELLATION. The tour operator WILL NOT OFFER PASSENGERS COMPENSATION IN THE EVENT OF A DELAY. THESE DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS WOULD BE A COVERED RISK THROUGH TRAVEL INSURANCE. Subject to change without notice.

Contingency Plan for 2018 Departures to Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge:In the unlikely event that the plane is unable to depart on the planned date of the charter flight, you will be provided accommodation in Yellowknife at the tour operator's expense, for one additional night only. All meals, room charges, and any other expenses are the responsibility of the guest. In the event of a charter flight delay longer than one day, all expenses, including additional accommodations and meals will be at the guest’s expense. Guests already at Arctic Watch who are affected by a charter flight delay, will receive one night’s accommodation in Yellowknife at the tour operator's expense on the day of arrival from Arctic Watch to Yellowknife. All other expenses related to a charter flight delay, including meals, room charges, and flight cancellation or rebooking fees, are the responsibility of the guest. The tour operator will make every effort to ensure your program takes place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult. The tour operator will not offer passengers a refund in the event of a trip delay or cancellation due to the charter flight being unable to depart as planned. It is strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance, in addition to the required medical coverage. Please note that international airfare may not be covered by insurance in the event of a cancellation. Contact ExpeditionTrips to assist in selecting the appropriate travel protection. Subject to change without notice.

Contingency Plan for North Pole Express - Barneo Ice Camp:If the plane is unable to depart Longyearbyen on the planned date of the flight to Barneo Ice Camp, any additional nights’ hotel accommodations will be your responsibility. You may be required to be on standby and remain close to the hotel, as a weather window may open with very little notice. It is unlikely the expedition would be cancelled, but it is possible that weather could delay departure for a number of days. Consider purchasing flexible, changeable airline tickets, or booking a one-way flight home after completing the expedition, to help reduce ticket change fees. These delays may not be covered by travel insurance. Subject to change without notice.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.